On arrival you will meet a nurse counsellor who will explain what is to happen during the assessment visit.

You will be asked to read and sign a consent form to have the necessary tests performed.

The nurse counsellor will answer any questions you may have about the consent form, and the assessment team will support you throughout your visit. A team of specialist doctors will assess the area that needs investigation.

Extra mammograms – extra mammograms are taken to give doctors a closer look at the area of the breast where changes were noticed. The risk associated with this is exposure to radiation, however very low dose radiation is used in mammography, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes extra views may be uncomfortable, if you are experiencing excessive discomfort, ask that the procedure be stopped and this will happen immediately.

Breast ultrasound – sound waves are used to show additional detail of the breast tissue. Gel is used on the breast and a probe is held against the skin. There are no risks associated with an ultrasound and it should not be painful or uncomfortable.

Breast examination – a doctor will check for any changes in the breast that can be seen or felt.

Breast needle biopsy – a doctor uses a needle to take a small sample of cells or tissue from the part of the breast that needs checking. More information about these tests will be given to you at the time, if you require this test.

If this happens to you, you will meet with the doctor and nurse counsellor who will discuss the findings and explain what will happen next. You will be referred back to your doctor who will arrange a referral for your ongoing care.

Most breast cancers found during screening are detected at an early stage. If breast cancer is found early, it is more likely to be small, and successfully treated.

Will a breast screen find all cancers?

Breast screens are the most effective test for finding breast cancer early. However, they are not 100% accurate. There is a small chance that a screening image will look normal even if a breast cancer is present.